5 WIN SATURDAY: Top Shelf Too Tough

Despite a tough trip, Top Shelf (5 m Savabeel – Saoirse, by Iffraaj) delivered fresh-up in the $65,000 Windsor Park Stud Open Handicap 1400 metres on Saturday at Ellerslie.

One of two winners, along with Lara Antipova (Russian Revolution) in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), for trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson on Champions Day (7 March) at Ellerslie, when winning the Elsdon Park Rating 75 1600 metres, Top Shelf capped four wins for the stable following System Of Play (Ole Kirk), Towering Vision (Circus Maximus), and Day One (Wootton Bassett).

Eye-catching through the line when coming from last in a Group & Listed trial on 16 August at Taupo, Top Shelf ended her previous campaign with a close second in the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie, and appeared capable of a bold first-up performance with a decent trip from barrier eight. 

Although the decent trip never quite materialized and she was caught three-wide back in the field, and still seven lengths astern at the 600m, such was her tenacity that she kept on making progress in the straight and lifted again near the line. 

It was a terrific performance from the richly bred mare and one that pleased jockey Michael McNab, who finished second on her in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) and was aboard for the August trial at Taupo. 

“The race was sort of run in two sections,” McNab said. “A couple of the boys should have tacked up a bit and had that been the case I would have found a good spot. 

“As it worked out, I didn’t, but the boys had her great condition and she’s got a good brain. She’s a stunning horse, always has been, and I rode her in third start and she nearly beat Leica Lucy. She’s got good ability.”

On Soft5 footing, Top Shelf ran 1400 metres in 1:24.0, last 600m in 34.8, and drifted considerably in betting to pay $6.50 & $2.20.

“It was a great return by Top Shelf and she’s got a great record at Ellerslie, which is fantastic, given there are so many big races on the course, now,” said Walker, reflecting on her six course attempts for two wins, three placed, and a fourth. 

“The strong tempo made it into a staying type contest, which suits her style, and another really good ride by Michael (McNab) to keep her balanced, had her going forward at the right time, and the Savabeel blood kicked in over the last 100 metres.

“It was a great day for the stable to win four in Auckland and one in Victoria, and the horses all presented in really good order. 

“She’s Group Two and Group Three placed and we’ll certainly be looking for black type opportunities coming up for Top Shelf.”

On course, Bergerson added: “She’s a big, strong, girl now, nearly 580-kilos. We had a really nice Autumn with her, she had a good break and she’s had a nice build up. 

“We’re stoked to get another win in these famous colours for the Fell family and it’s a great way to start off her season.

“When we get her up to a mile and even 2000 metres in black type races, I think we’ll see the best of her. 

“She got no favours today, trapped wide and had to make her own run, but she kept steadily building and it was a really good effort.”

Bred by Fairdale Stud and owned by them along with G B Fell MNZM, Gimme Some Of That Top Shelf Syndicate & Top Draw Racing Syndicate, Top Shelf is a sister to Te Akau bought and trained dual Group Two winner and dual Group One placed Brando (Savabeel), while dam Saoirse has also produced promising four-year-old Cool Boy (Per Incanto), winning three of his first four starts in Hong Kong, for former Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards.

A generational family that has sold yearlings for over 70 years in New Zealand, in more recent times the Fell family bred and raced high-class racehorse Tall Poppy (Kaapstad). 

A beautiful black mare with a fantastic turn of foot and determination to match, Tall Poppy won eleven races from 1400 metres to 2000m and culminated her career by winning the Group 1 NZ Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. At the highest level, she also won the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), Group 1 Waikato Sprint (1400m), two Group Two races and two Listed. 

Accepting on behalf of the owners, assistant trainer Reece Trumper said: “We’ve been patient with Top Shelf, but, I think, this season as a five-year-old we will reap the rewards.

“It’s good to have her here at ATR (Auckland Thoroughbred Racing) on a good track. We waited for this race.

“Michael (McNab) trialled her at Taupo, and got off her and said she’s flying. We sat on her for another month, her work has been very good, and to see her win like that after being exposed for most of the race, it just shows her quality and that Michael is riding very well.

“Congratulations to the Fell family for supporting us with this mare. We’ve bought some top horses from Fairdale Stud, and it’s great to be training winners for them, too.”

Top Shelf was strapped by Nathan Trumper.

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz